Christmas 2024 War Cryindd

WAR CRY

CONTENTS

Publication of

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The General's Christmas Message 2024

by GENERAL LYNDON BUCKINGHAM

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Message du Gènèral pour Noël 2024 par GĒNĒRAL LYNDON BUCKINGHAM

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Glory To God In The Highest, And On Earth Peace, Goodwill Toward Men

by COMMISSIONER EMMANUEL SUPRĔ

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Gloire à Dieu au Plus Haut des Cieux, et Paix Sur la Terre, Parmi les Hommes Qu'il Agrée par COMMISSAIRE EMMANUEL SUPRĒ

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Soap For Hope

by MAJOR NANABOAKYE-AGYEMANG

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Celebration At The Salvation Army Belize Central Corps

by MAJOR MARC EDDY MOMPLAISIR

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Around the Territory

by MAJOR CHRIS MATTHIAS AND MAJOR DERRICK MITCHELL

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THE SALVATION ARMY CARIBBEAN TERRITORY 3 Waterloo Road, P.O. Box 378 Kingston 10, Jamaica CHRISTMAS 2024

WILLIAM BOOTH

FOUNDER

LYNDON BUCKINGHAM

GENERAL

EMMANUEL SUPRĒ

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Edited by SHEREE SHARPE

Communications Officer

THE WAR CRY prints on average 5,000 copies biannually and over 12,000 copies at Christmas

WE CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEB www.salvationarmycarib.org KEEP IN TOUCH ON FACEBOOK www..facebook.com/CARIBSA www.facebook/CaribSAyouth

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OUR MISSION The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Stop! And Let Me Tell You!

by MAJOR JONATHAN KELLMAN

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Andre Gillett's Testimony

by MAJOR MARC EDDY MOMPLAISIR

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THE WAR CRY’S published 3 times per year at 3 Waterloo Road, P.O. Box 378, Kingston 10, Jamaica. Single copies $2.00USD. Subscription $5.00USD a year Jamaica. $6.00USD overseas. Postmaster: Send address changes to THE WAR CRY, 3 Waterloo Road, P.O. Box 378, Kingston 10, Jamaica. © 2024 The Salvation Army - Caribbean Territory

Christmas Carols

Unless otherwise inidcated all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation.

Printed in Jamaica by PEARTREE XPRESS PRINTERS

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The General’s Christmas Message 2024

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had the privilege earlier this year of attending the Testify Congress in the Salvation Army’s USA Western Territory. There were many highlights that weekend, but what stood out for me were the amazing stories of transformation.

Men and women whose lives had been radically transformed when they encountered God’s love for them in the person of Jesus Christ.

‘For God so loves the world…’

– yes, I changed the tense. The verse actually reads, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son’ (John 3:16 New International Version). Yet God’s love is as real, true and deep today as it was on that first Christmas Day. This remains the greatest evidence of God’s love and his plan for all people – the gift of his Son, the gift of our salvation – not just in the past, but for the present as well. This is the good news we

celebrate at Christmas.

That news was first declared by the prophet Isaiah long ago: ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end’ (Isaiah 9:6-7 King James Version).

It was declared again by the angels at the birth of Jesus: ‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David

a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests”’ (Luke 2:8-14 NIV).

The Bible tells us the shepherds immediately went to where Jesus was, and having seen him they right away began to spread the word. I love that! They immediately began to share their experience.

The shepherds recognised Jesus for who he was – their Saviour – and they lost no time in going out and sharing the good news. What a testimony!

Believers ever since have carried on the mission of spreading the word of God’s saving, forgiving, redeeming work through his Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. I saw and heard evidence of this at Testify – people sharing the good news of God’s transformative power in and through their lives, just as the shepherds did on that night so long ago.

In his book, Sacred Risk, General Shaw Clifton (Rtd) writes: ‘Christmas is summed up in Jesus.

The very name of Jesus serves through all history to declare

that there is a Saviour. It follows logically therefore that if there is a Saviour it is because we need to be saved. However, even before we realise our need the Saviour is there. It is he who reveals to us our deepest needs, gently urging us by his Holy Spirit to make a response to his offer of salvation. Christmas is therefore discovering or rediscovering or reaffirming Jesus as Saviour, and in discovering him we discover ourselves and our true condition.’

God can still change the hearts of men and women and make them

live again. And like the shepherds, we can testify of that good news with those around us.

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of the Saviour, let’s ask God to empower us with Holy Spirit zeal to spread the word concerning Jesus, that still more might come to experience the love of God as revealed in the gift of his precious Son and our Saviour, Jesus, the Son of God. Commissioner Bronwyn joins me in praying God’s blessings for you this Christmas season.

GENERAL LYNDON BUCKINGHAM

is the International Leader of the Salvation Army, which is at work in over 133 countries

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Message du Général pour Noël 2024

u début de l'année, j'ai eu le privilège d'assister au Congrès Testify dans le Territoire Ouest de l'Armée du Salut des Etats-Unis. Les moments forts de ce week-end ont été nombreux, mais ce qui m'a le plus marqué, ce sont les incroyables récits de transformation. Des hommes et des femmes dont la vie a été radicalement transformée lorsqu'ils ont rencontré l'amour de Dieu pour eux en la personne de Jésus-Christ. « Car Dieu aime tant le monde... » - oui, j'ai changé le temps du verbe. Le verset se lit en fait comme suit : « Car Dieu a tant aimé le monde qu'il a donné son Fils unique » (Jean 3 :16 Louis Segond).

Pourtant, l'amour de Dieu est aussi réel, vrai et profond aujourd'hui qu'il l'était en ce premier jour de Noël. Le don de son Fils, le don de notre salut, reste la plus grande preuve de l'amour de Dieu et de son plan pour tous les hommes, non seulement dans le passé, mais

aussi dans le présent. C'est la bonne nouvelle que nous célébrons à Noël.

Cette nouvelle a été annoncée pour la première fois par le prophète Esaïe il y a bien longtemps : « Car un enfant nous est né, un fils nous est donné, Et la domination reposera sur son épaule; On l'appellera Admirable, Conseiller, Dieu puissant, Père éternel, Prince de la paix. Donner à l'empire de l'accroissement, Et une paix sans fin... » (Esaïe 9 :5-6, Louis Segond).

Les anges l'ont encore déclaré lors de la naissance de Jésus : « Il y avait, dans cette même contrée, des bergers qui passaient dans les champs les veilles de la nuit pour garder leurs troupeaux. Et voici, un ange du Seigneur leur apparut, et la gloire du Seigneur resplendit autour d'eux. Ils furent saisis d'une grande frayeur.

Mais l'ange leur dit : Ne craignez point; car je vous annonce une bonne nouvelle, qui sera pour tout le peuple le sujet d'une grande joie :

c'est qu'aujourd'hui, dans la ville de David, il vous est né un Sauveur, qui est le Christ, le Seigneur. Et voici à quel signe vous le reconnaîtrez : vous trouverez un enfant emmailloté et couché dans une crèche. Et soudain il se joignit à l'ange une multitude de l'armée céleste, louant Dieu et disant : Gloire à Dieu dans les lieux très hauts, Et paix sur la terre parmi les hommes qu'il agrée! » (Luc 2:814 Louis Segond).

La Bible nous dit que les bergers se rendirent immédiatement à l'endroit où se trouvait Jésus, et qu'après l'avoir vu, ils commencèrent immédiatement à répandre la nouvelle. J'aime cela !

Ils ont immédiatement commencé à partager leur expérience. Les bergers ont reconnu Jésus pour ce qu'il était – leur Sauveur – et ils se sont empressés d'aller partager la bonne nouvelle. Quel témoignage !

Depuis lors, les croyants poursuivent la mission de diffuser la parole de l'œuvre salvatrice, pardonnante et rédemptrice de Dieu par l'intermédiaire de son Fils, notre Sauveur, Jésus-Christ. J'en ai vu et entendu la preuve à Testify – des personnes qui partagent la bonne nouvelle de la puissance transformatrice de Dieu dans et à travers leur vie, tout comme les bergers l'ont fait cette nuit-là, il y a si longtemps.

Dans son livre Risque Sacré, le Général Shaw Clifton (retraité) écrit : « Noël se résume à Jésus Le nom même de Jésus sert, à travers toute l'histoire, à déclarer qu'il y a un Sauveur. Il s'ensuit logiquement

que s'il y a un Sauveur, c'est parce que nous avons besoin d'être sauvés.

Cependant, avant même que nous ne prenions conscience de notre besoin, le Sauveur était là. C'est lui qui nous révèle nos besoins les plus profonds, nous poussant doucement par son Esprit Saint à répondre à son offre de salut. Noël, c'est donc la découverte, la redécouverte ou la réaffirmation de Jésus comme Sauveur, et en le découvrant, nous nous découvrons nous-mêmes et nous découvrons notre véritable condition ».

Dieu peut encore changer le cœur des hommes et des femmes et les faire revivre. Et comme les bergers, nous pouvons témoigner de cette

bonne nouvelle auprès de ceux qui nous entourent.

En ce Noël, alors que nous célébrons la naissance du Sauveur, demandons à Dieu de nous insuffler le zèle de l'Esprit Saint pour répandre la parole concernant Jésus, afin qu'un plus grand nombre encore puisse faire l'expérience de l'amour de Dieu tel qu'il se révèle dans le don de son précieux Fils et de notre Sauveur, Jésus, le Fils de Dieu.

La Commissaire Bronwyn se joint à moi pour prier les bénédictions de Dieu pour vous en cette période de Noël.

GÉNÉRAL LYNDON BUCKINGHAM

est le chef international de l’Armée du Salut, qui est à l’œuvre dans plus de 133 pays 4

The Territorial Commander’s Christmas Message 2024

Glory To God In The Highest, And On Earth Peace, Goodwill Toward Men F

' or unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men' Luke 2:11-14.

Singing Christmas carols is a practice that is still relevant in today’s world. In analysing the hymn 'Hark the herald angel sing' written by Charles Wesley, one will quickly realize that there is a call to action. The audience was called to listen carefully to the message delivered by the angels. The angels were praising the Lord

God Almighty and humankind was being comforted as well by hearing that peace had come to their heart.

The world's condition at the time of Jesus' birth was one of much turmoil. It is recorded that; Jesus was born into a developing world context, under a military dictatorship. It was a society where everyone was coerced.

Therefore, to receive a message that peace is being offered to all men was something extraordinary. The angelic choir made an incredibly significant declaration in Luke 2: 14 saying 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men'.

All living beings are commanded to glorify God according to Psalms 150:6 and

The angelic choir made an incredibly significant declaration in Luke 2: 14 saying 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men'.

1 Corinthians 10:31. It is also true based on an earlier verse in 1 Corinthians 6:20 where it states, 'For ye were bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which is God’s'. We are to glorify God through our works of service for Him. Jesus said, 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven' Matthew 5:16. God is great, and when we glorify Him, we acknowledge His greatness and His splendour. We give Him glory, as all the world is told to do according to Revelation 14:7, then we direct our praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and worship to God alone who is worthy.

The angels echo their song to reaffirm that peace has come to all men. The birth of Jesus came as a remedy to save us from our sins, to quench the hostility of men against God, Himself and one another. Mankind was made anew through Christ's incarnation, death, resurrection and ascension, and belief in Him. While there was a total separation between man and God, Christ came and built a bridge so that man could be reconciled with his maker. Before the birth of Jesus, man was lost in sin and darkness, wandering, or unaware of their need for salvation. The 5

prince of peace came and made a difference in man’s condition. His compassion for us led Him to the cross and He offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins so that we could have peace with God, the Father.

What a wonderful God we serve! The message delivered by the angels then, is still relevant today. For whoever wants can enjoy the peace and goodwill offered through Jesus’ incarnation, death, resurrection and ascension. As we go through this Christmas Season, if your heart is troubled, sing praises like the angels, obey God’s word and you will experience peace that surpasses all understanding. Then you will sing from the depths of your heart of goodwill, 'O the peace my Saviour gives, Peace I never knew before!

And my way has brighter grown since I learn to trust Him more'.

COMMISSIONER EMMANUEL SUPRĒ Is the Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army Caribbean Territory

Message de La Noël du Commandant Territoire 2024

Gloire à Dieu au Plus Haut des Cieux, et Paix Sur la Terre, Parmi les Hommes Qu'il Agrée Luc 2: 11-14 «C’est qu'aujourd'hui, dans la ville de David, il vous est né un Sauveur, qui est le Christ, le Seigneur. Et voici à quel signe vous le reconnaîtrez : vous trouverez un enfant emmailloté et couché dans une crèche.

Et soudain il se joignit à l'ange une multitude de l'armée céleste, louant Dieu et disant: Gloire à Dieu dans les lieux très hauts, Et paix sur la terre parmi les hommes qu'il agrée !»

Chanter des chants de Noël, est une pratique toujours d’actualité dans le monde d’aujourd’hui. En analysant l’hymne «écoutez le chant des anges » écrit par Charles Wesley, on se rend compte bien vite qu’il y a un appel à l’action. L’auditoire était appelé à écouter attentivement le message délivré par les anges. Le Seigneur Dieu Tout-Puissant

était loué par les anges et l’humanité était également réconfortée en apprenant que la paix était venue dans leur cœur.

La condition du monde au moment de la naissance de Jésus était très terrible. Il est enregistré que ; Jésus est né dans un contexte mondial en développement, sous une dictature militaire. C'était une société où tout le monde était contraint. Par conséquent, recevoir un message selon lequel la paix est offerte à tous les hommes est un message d’extraordinaire. Le chœur angélique a fait une déclaration incroyablement significative dans Luc 2 : 14 disant : « Gloire à Dieu au plus haut des cieux, et paix sur la terre, parmi les hommes qu'il agrée».

Le chœur angélique a fait une déclaration incroyablement significative dans Luc 2 : 14 disant : « Gloire à Dieu au plus haut des cieux, et paix sur la terre, parmi les hommes qu'il agrée ».

Il est ordonné à tous les êtres vivants de glorifier Dieu selon Psaumes 150 :6 et 1 Corinthiens 10 :31. Cela est également vrai d’après un verset antérieur de 1 Corinthiens 6 : 20 où il est écrit : « Car vous avez été rachetés à grand prix; glorifiez donc Dieu dans votre corps et dans votre esprit, qui est à Dieu ». Nous devons glorifier Dieu à travers nos œuvres et nos services. Jésus a dit : « Que votre lumière brille ainsi devant les hommes, afin qu'ils voient vos bonnes œuvres et glorifient votre Père qui est dans les cieux » Matthieu 5 :16.

Dieu est grand, et lorsque nous le glorifions, nous reconnaissons sa grandeur et sa splendeur.

Nous Lui rendons gloire, comme il est demandé au monde entier de le faire selon Apocalypse 14 : 7, Alors nous dirigeons notre louange, notre adoration et nos actions de grâces vers Dieu seul qui en est digne.

Les anges font écho à leur chant pour réaffirmer que la paix est revenue à tous les hommes. La naissance de Jésus est venue comme un remède pour nous sauver de nos péchés, pour apaiser l’hostilité des hommes contre Dieu, contre lui-même et contre les autres. L'humanité est née de nouveau par l'incarnation, la mort, la résurrection et l'ascension du Christ, ainsi que par la croyance en Lui. Lorsqu’il y avait une séparation totale entre l’homme et Dieu, le Christ est venu et a construit un pont pour que l’homme puisse se réconcilier avec son 6

créateur. Avant la naissance de Jésus, l’homme était perdu dans le péché et les ténèbres, errant ou inconscient de son besoin de salut. Le prince de la paix est venu et a fait une différence dans la condition de l’homme. Sa compassion pour nous l'a conduit à la croix et s'est offert en sacrifice pour nos péchés afin que nous puissions avoir la paix avec Dieu, le Père.

Quel Dieu merveilleux nous servons! Le message délivré par les anges à l’époque est toujours d’actualité aujourd’hui. Car quiconque le souhaite peut jouir de la paix et de la bienveillance offertes par l’incarnation, la mort, la résurrection et l’ascension de Jésus.

Pendant que nous traversons cette période de Noël, si votre cœur est troublé, chantez des louanges comme les anges, obéissez à la parole de Dieu et vous connaîtrez une paix qui dépasse toute compréhension. Alors vous chanterez du plus profond de votre cœur «Ô la paix que donne mon Sauveur, Paix que je n'ai jamais connue auparavant ! Et mon chemin s’est amélioré depuis que j’ai appris à Lui faire davantage confiance».

Commissaire EMMANUEL SUPRĒ est le commandant territorial pour le territoire des Caraïbes

SOAP FOR HOPE

A Clean Initiative For A Better Tomorrow

By Major Nana Boakye-Agyemang

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n July 31, 2024, The Salvation Army in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, in collaboration with Diversey and Bahia Principe Jamaica, introduced an innovative soap recycling program. This initiative transforms discarded hotel soap into reconstituted bars that will be distributed to disadvantaged households. The program primarily targets communities that lack access to basic sanitation and healthcare, where simple access to soap can prevent illness and improve overall well-being.

Program Impact: The Soap for Hope initiative provides free soap to those who need it most, reducing the risk of serious diseases, especially among children. This program will not only address a vital public health need but also help hotels recycle their waste products, giving hotel staff a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change within their communities.

Key Partnerships and Roles: Diversey: As the primary supplier of essential equipment, Diversey provides The Salvation Army with tools such as the Soap for Hope Soap Press and disinfectant materials for reprocessing the soap.

Bahia Principe Jamaica: The hotel takes responsibility for gathering used soap from its premises, working closely with Diversey to ensure the soap is effectively recycled and delivered to vulnerable communities.

The Salvation Army: This community-focused organization will select the underserved communities that will benefit from the program and ensure that spaces are provided for recycling activities.

Eastern Jamaica extends its heartfelt thanks to Captains Stanley and Judette Mondesir and their team at the St. Ann's Bay Corps for their relentless efforts in making this partnership a reality, meeting the critical hygiene needs of their local communities.

This program highlights the power of collaboration in promoting hygiene, health, and sustainability in Jamaica.

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Celebrations At The Salvation Army Belize Central Corps

- A Memorable Enrollment and Empowering Message

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ajors Marc Eddy and Gertha Momplaisir were honoured guests this Easter Sunday at The Salvation Army Belize Central Corps. The couple had the privilege of enrolling three Senior Soldiers under the leadership of Corps Officers Majors Anthony and Lizeth Sanchez.

After completing preparation classes grounded in the Word of God, using the 11 Articles of Faith, the new soldiers were ready to commit to their spiritual journey.

During the ceremony, Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir delivered an inspiring message. He urged the soldiers to live lives that transform the world rather than being shaped by it. Using a vivid illustration with two containers—one filled with bleach and the other with grape juice—he showed how God’s power, like bleach, can purify and bring positive change to the world, symbolized by the grape juice.

Through this powerful visual, Major Momplaisir emphasized that believers have the strength to make a meaningful difference by leading with integrity and faith.

Guyanese Pepperpot Recipe

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AROUND THE TERRITORY...

The War Cry Highlights The Districts

Trinidad & Tobago Division

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AROUND THE TERRITORY...

& Divisions Work Around The Territory Allman Town Corps 'Back to School Treat' funded by the late Inez Simpson, in partnership with Brother Layman Lynch, Mrs. Antiapie Blaize and Sister Verona Johnson.

Eastern Jamaica Division

GEOPHYSX PARTNERS WITH THE SALAVATION ARMY TO PROVIDE HURRICANE BERYL RELIEF GEOPHYSX Jamaica contributes One Million Dollars to One The Salvation Army Caribbean Territory Hurricane Beryl Disaster Fund. The Salvation Army remains committed to supporting communities across St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, Westmoreland, and the St. James parishes.

R-L: CEO Robert Stewart presented the cheque to Colonel Edward Lyons, Chief Secretary and Major Derrick Mitchell, Territorial Disaster Coordinator/Public Relations and Development Secretary.

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Stop! And Let Me Tell You!

T

he Christmas season is here once again. It is that time of the year that always bring on the feelings of thrill, excitement and newness. In fact, if we reflect on when the baby Jesus was born, we remember that his parents were busy travelling to their hometown to be registered as part of a census. While Christmas is a time of sadness for some and gladness for others, giving and receiving, expressions of joy, peace, along with extra gestures of goodwill, it is also a time to pause to remind ourselves of the good news that Jesus is born to bring us peace, hope, love and joy.

Songs like Christians Awake Salute The Happy Morn; Hark The Herald Angels Sing, Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells, Do You Hear What I Hear? and Silver Bells are invitations for all of us to pause from the usual routines of life, and be reminded about the reason Jesus Christ came to this earth and how He has impacted our past, is impacting our present and will impact our lives in the future.

We read in the scriptures that the angel said in Matthew 1:21, 'And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins'. The angel, who visited the shepherds on the hillside while taking care of their sheep, said in Luke 2:10-12 '… Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger'.

A popular chorus that many of us sang in Sunday school follows the same theme of urging us to deviate from our regular life patterns and focus on the mission of Jesus Christ and His mandate to all Christians. The first section of the chorus says, 'Stop! And let me tell you what the Lord has done for me. He’s forgiven my sins, saved my soul, cleansed my heart and made me whole. Stop! And let me tell you what the Lord has done for me'. This is our TESTIMONY, that a change has taken place in our

lives because we have heard the gospel story about Jesus and have been converted. Psalm 34:4 says, 'I sought the Lord, and he heard me; and delivered me from all my fears'. Any person, who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is always desirous of testifying that God is good and daily continues to forgive, bless, protect, guide and empower.

The second section of the chorus says, 'Stop! And let me tell you, what the Lord can do for you!'

Not only do we have a testimony but we have an ASSURANCE. Salvation is not for a select few. It is an open invitation for the entire world, so as we share our experiences of Jesus, we give those around us an invitation to develop a personal relationship with Jesus for themselves. Therefore, we urge others to believe that their lives can be changed and to take confidence in John 3:16 that whosoever believes in the saving power of Jesus will be saved.

The final section of the chorus says, 'Go! And tell the story of the Christ of Calvary!' This is our DUTY. It is wrapped up in Matthew 28:19-20, it encourages us to use every opportunity, not only to worship Jesus Christ, the Saviour, but to be evangelists and witnesses, all around the world. Therefore, this Christmas, let us sing of the goodness of Jesus and His love. Let us maximize the opportunities to be God’s angels on earth and through His help, we will be faithful as we tell the 'good tidings of our Saviour’s birth … to all the nations on the earth'.

MAJOR JONATHAN KELLMAN Divisional Commander Western Jamaica Division

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Andre Gillett’s Testimony S

ince joining the Salvation Army Youth Group in The Salvation Army Belize Central Corps in 2018, the Holy Spirit has always surrounded me, that was no question, but I always noticed that everyone else around me had such profound things to say when they spoke about how they got to know Jesus. I felt conflicted and left out because I had no such experiences or feelings.

This emotion was not the mindset I should have had, but I’ve grown since then and begun to understand who I am and who The Lord is more.

In March of 2023, I was in a lot of turmoil due to life at home. I felt like a shell of the person I once was, and there was no way to change it. I just wanted to give up and continue with life without trying to change. Depth was what I was lacking in my relationship with Jesus. I went to church and youth group, but did I understand the reasons why I went? No. So, one faithful Sunday night, as I was sitting on my bed, getting ready to sleep and thinking tomorrow would be like every other day, I decided to recite something my grandmother always told me to remember, ‘Jehovah es mi pastor, y nada I falter,’ along with the first verse of Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd, I Shall not want.’ This passage was something she would always have me saying at every opportunity to not only teach me Spanish but also for me to understand how impactful the word of God truly is. I started to pray immediately after that and completely broke down crying because I felt a weight being lifted off of my shoulders as I was asking for His grace to guide me down the path that He wished for me, and for Him to grant me the strength to not waiver when adversities strike, and for the patience to understand His will.

I would not say it was an overnight change, but it was something quick, and I felt the burdens I bore in my life slowly faded like they weren’t even real. He knew He wanted me to live a different life, a better life. I did not dare to do so, and by speaking to Him through prayer, I feel that it was the first step to getting to where He wants me to go. And here I am today, a Senior Soldier in The Salvation Army. Amen!

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O Holy Night

Go Tell It on the Mountain

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Come Thou long-expected Jesus

Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.

Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching over silent flocks by night, behold throughout the heavens, there shone a holy light.

Come, thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in thee.

Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.

Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

Chorus Sweet chiming bells, O how they ring To welcome Christ, the new-born King; Sweet chiming bells, O how they ring To welcome Christ, the King.

The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Saviour’s birth.

Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.

Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend.

Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name.

Joy to the World Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

All thy people's consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now thy gracious Kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By thine all-sufficient merit Raise us to thy glorious throne.

Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Feliz Navidad Prospero Año y Felicidad.

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas From the bottom of my heart.

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Away In A Manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

Deck the halls

Angels from the Realms of Glory

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

Toll the ancient Yule tide carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth: Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King!

See the blazing Yule before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Strike the harp and join the chorus.

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

While I tell of Yule tide treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together, Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

O come, O come Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory over the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the King And Peace to men on earth How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in.

Shepherds, in the fields abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night, God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the infant Light; Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Sages, leave your contemplations, Brighter visions beam afar; Seek the great desire of nations, Ye have seen His natal star; Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear, Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear: Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Silent Night Silent night! Holy night!

All is calm, all is bright round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy infant so tender and mild, sleep in Heavenly peace! sleep in Heavenly peace!

Silent night! Holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from Heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ, the Saviour, is born!

Christ, the Saviour, is born!

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here; And drive away the shades of night And pierce the clouds and bring us light!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Silent night! Holy night!

Son of God, Love’s pure light radiant, beams from Thy Holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.

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WAR CRY

Publication of THE SALVATION ARMY CARIBBEAN TERRITORY 3 Waterloo Road, P.O. Box 378 Kingston 10, Jamaica

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